A sustainable urban future through inclusive and effective multilateralism: takeaways from the second session of the UN-Habitat Assembly

Last week, 89 ministers and deputy ministers from around the world, along with and 5,517 participants gathered in Nairobi, Kenya for the second session of the United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat) Assembly, organised under the theme “A sustainable urban future through inclusive and effective multilateralism: achieving the Sustainable Development Goals in times of global crises.” 

Thematic debates and discussions during the Assembly focused on Universal access to affordable housing, climate action, crises recovery and the need to implement the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) at local level. Delegates and high-level speakers unanimously emphasized the critical role of cities in achieving the SDGs.  A Ministerial Declaration and ten resolutions were approved during the final day of the Assembly.

The Kingdom of Bahrain’s delegation was led by H.E. Ms. Amna Ahmed Al Rumaihi, Minister of Housing and Urban Planning, accompanied by representatives from the Ministry of Housing and Urban Planning, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and Bahrain Center for Strategic, International and Energy Studies, DERASAT.  Bahrain's active participation was a sign of commitment and engagement to multilateral efforts addressing critical challenges and harnessing on the opportunities offered by cities.  

Furthermore, Bahrain’s participation was also marked by the adoption of

two resolutions co-sponsored by the country, respectively on "Affordable Housing for All" and "Clean Up Day", and the global launch of State of Arab Cities Report.  

In the “Adequate Housing for All" resolution submitted by Bahrain, Egypt, France, Jordan, Kenya, Malaysia, Pakistan and the United States of America, Ministers agreed to establish an intergovernmental expert group to make recommendations to accelerate progress towards the universal achievement of safe, sustainable, adequate, and affordable housing. The co-sponsored resolution also calls upon Member States to prioritize access to adequate housing including through improving data and financing, and requests UN-Habitat to provide all necessary support to advancing this agenda. 

Recalling the Agenda 21 and recognizing that environmental degradation, climate change, and unsustainable development constitute some of the most pressing and serious threats to the ability of present and future generations, Member States also adopted a resolution on World Cleanup Day. Bahrain, Botswana, Estonia, and Pakistan championed the submission, acknowledging that cleanup activities across the globe mobilizing millions of volunteers, raising awareness, and working towards a waste-free environment, have proven to be an effective instrument of public engagement. 

The second session of the UN-Habitat Assembly was a major step towards advancing the achievement of the SDGs, specifically Goal 11, on creating sustainable cities and communities. It demonstrated that with inclusive and effective multilateralism, the world can start emerging from multiple crises – pandemics, climate emergencies, and conflicts – and harness on the power of urbanization for sustainable development.

About the UN Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat)   

UN-Habitat is the United Nations entity responsible for sustainable urbanization. It has programmes in over 90 countries that support policymakers and communities to create socially and environmentally sustainable cities and towns. UN-Habitat Office in Bahrain promotes transformative change through knowledge, policy advice, technical assistance, and collaborative action.  

Established by the UN General Assembly in 2018 as the governance body of UN-Habitat, the United Nations Habitat Assembly (UNHA2) brings together 193 UN Member States every four years to explore solutions to urban development challenges. It is the highest global decision-making body on sustainable urbanization and human settlements.